Shadow by Mary and Michael Schmidt is a poignant children’s picture book that addresses the complex themes of pet loss and grief, particularly from a child’s perspective. This narrative explores the emotional journey of coping with the death of a beloved pet, which is often a child’s first encounter with mortality. The story recounts the loss and offers constructive ways to cope with the pain, guiding children and adults through grieving. The authors emphasize the importance of communication and expressing feelings. They suggest activities like talking about the pet, drawing, and engaging in family hugs as therapeutic actions that help children process their emotions. This narrative approach educates and provides a tool for parents and guardians to help children navigate their feelings of grief.

Shadow by Mary and Michael Schmidt is also praiseworthy for including a section with notes and valuable tips for parents, highlighting the authors’ educational intent. These tips are practical and considerate, designed to create an environment where a child can safely and constructively express sadness and confusion. They reinforce the normalcy of grief and the personal nature of the healing process. The central theme of dealing with grief is explored gently and appropriately for the intended young audience. Choosing a supportive and understanding tone is crucial in making a book a helpful resource for coping with loss, and the authors did so skillfully and sympathetically. Shadow is an essential read for families dealing with the loss of a pet, providing comfort and practical advice through beautifully narrated experiences and supportive measures. It is a compassionate resource in children’s literature on a sensitive subject.

Shadow by Mary L Schmidt and Michael Schmidt is a touching story that helps kids understand and cope with the loss of a pet. When Shadow, a beloved family dog, passes away, a young child struggles with all the emotions that come with saying goodbye. The book gently walks through the grieving process, showing ways to remember and honor a pet—like drawing pictures, sharing memories, and creating a special garden. It also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers, making it a great resource for families going through a tough time.

Mary L Schmidt and Michael Schmidt handle this sensitive topic with much warmth and care, making it easier for kids to talk about something as tough as losing a pet. The story creates a safe and comforting space for children to explore their feelings, and the illustrations beautifully capture both the sadness of loss and the love that remains. I especially love how the book doesn’t just tell a story: it also gives kids practical ideas to remember and honor their pets in a way that feels natural to them, and it normalizes grief to show them it's okay to have these feelings and healthily work through them. What stands out to me most is how much emotion lies behind the level of language used, acknowledging the pain of loss while also offering hope and reassurance. Overall, I highly recommend Shadow to parents, teachers, and caregivers looking for a gentle, thoughtful way to help kids through grief.